SZW Programme Manager Policy and Project Coordination

HBO/WO | 36 hours | Bonaire | Vacancy number P&O2025_04_002 | Closing date: 29 April 2025

Job description

Our organisation is currently in a dynamic and transitional phase during which, among other things, a lot of new policies and regulations are being developed and implemented. In order to implement these changes successfully we are looking for a Programme Manager Policy and Project Coordination who will take responsibility for coordinating all the projects being implemented within the organisation. Your job will be to ensure that the projects are carried out in accordance with the programme plan and to monitor the mutual relationships and dependencies. You will play a key role in structuring and coordinating the project organisation, including the setting up and management of project teams and/or leaders.

You will also lead projects yourself and collaborate with their implementation in a hands-on fashion. You will help to set the right priorities and advise management on request and voluntarily. You will report directly to the head of unit and you will be an MT member, which means that you will manage the organisation together with your MT colleagues. An important aspect of the work is the mix that exists between project-based work in the fields of both policy and implementation and a feeling for business operations.

Lastly you will ensure that project outcomes can be achieved and that the right preconditions and resources are available for implementation.

Childcare Implementation Project

One current project in the context of the current programme involves the implementation of the Childcare Provisions Act (Wet Kinderopvang). During the course of 2025, the unit will be preparing to start implementing this new statutory duty at the end of the year. Your initial role will involve planning and preparing a smooth transition from the project phase to the implementation phase. Your tasks will range from recruiting a team, to performing the duty and all associated activities. Trailblazing will therefore be second nature to you!

What will you be doing?

• You will coordinate all our projects: you will be responsible for maintaining an overview of all ongoing projects within the organisation and for making sure that they are implemented on the basis of the right priority and resources.
• You will set up the project organisation: you will construct and maintain a project organisation in which (temporary) capacity and people in various roles are assigned to the project teams.
• You will manage projects: you will lead a number of projects and will also manage other project leaders to ensure that the various projects run efficiently and effectively.
• You will be the link between the ministry and the organisation: you will be the contact person between the ministry and the organisation as regards the implementation of new policy and changes in existing legislation and regulations. You will coordinate or be involved in all the policy processes and you will make sure that the vision and strategy are properly monitored.
• You will manage priorities and feasibility: you will control the project priorities and make sure that the projects can be achieved, both in terms of scheduling and available resources.
• You will coordinate implementation assessments: you will make sure that there is a consistent line and vision in terms of project implementation assessments and that they are properly coordinated and executed.

Information about the organisation

The SZW unit is the implementing organisation of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment in the Caribbean Netherlands. Its aim is to achieve a decent standard of living for all residents of the Caribbean Netherlands. One way we do this, is by providing benefits such as (special) social relief, old age pensions and child benefit. However, our work also covers labour issues, loss of pay, the Labour Authority and work permits. With the arrival of many new and changing policies, the organisation finds itself in a transition period, during which we are working to strengthen implementation and (further) improve the social system in the Caribbean Netherlands.

This dynamic environment offers plenty of opportunities to make an impact and contribute to the successful implementation of policy that directly affects public well-being.

Competencies

• Situational awareness.
• The ability to cooperate.
• Strategic insight.
• Managerial sensitivity.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Leadership skills.

What we expect from you

• Experience in project management, with proven experience in managing project teams and project leaders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in working with, or implementing, policy and regulations, preferably in a government context.
• Leadership skills and the ability to motivate teams and have them collaborate effectively.
• Good communication skills and the ability to switch between different stakeholders, including the ministry and internal teams.
• You have a hands-on mentality and know how to adapt both strategically and operationally.
• You preferably have experience of working in the Caribbean Netherlands context.

What do we offer?

• An appointment in accordance with the Rechtspositiebesluit Ambtenaren BES (BES Civil Servants (Legal Status) Decree);

• A competitive salary in salary scale 12 (of at least $ 4.801,- and at most $ 6.009,- per month), in case of a 36-hour working week. Assignment to a pay scale based on knowledge and experience;
• Holiday allowance (8.33% of the annual income);
• A thirteenth month (8.33% of the annual income);
• A vitality allowance;
• A pension provision placed with Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN);
• 182 holiday hours in case of a 36-hour working week;
• A temporary appointment of one year with the prospect of a permanent appointment for good performance and a positive assessment result;
• A relocation scheme for candidates who respond from outside the island.
• A challenging position within an organization in transition;
• The opportunity to play a key role in the successful implementation of new policy;
• A dynamic work environment where no day is the same;
• Space for personal development and growth.

Procedure

An assessment, case and/or reference check may be part of the procedure.
The following order is taken into account in the selection:

• Official RCN staff on the BES Islands (internal);
• Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (external);

• Other candidates (external)

Appointment requirements

• A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG);
• A medical examination for admission to the pension fund ( participation is mandatory, including a personal contribution);
• Dutch citizenship.

Good to know for those interested outside the Caribbean Netherlands

• The salary is in US dollars which is the official currency in the Caribbean Netherlands;

• The Caribbean Netherlands has its own tax regulations. Income above the tax-free allowance of $21,373 in 2025 will be taxed at a rate of 30.4% in the first bracket, up to an income of $51,250. In the second bracket, a tax rate of 35.4% applies.
• You are or will become a resident of the Caribbean Netherlands.

More information?

For more information about this vacancy you can contact Brigitte van de Ven, Project Leader, email address brigitte.vandeven@rijksdienstcn.com.

Digital applications

You can send your Curriculum Vitae along with a letter of application to vacature@rijksdienstCN.com